Hurricanes Blank Hitmen, 4-0
Published on September 20, 2025 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Calgary Hitmen News Release
Calgary, AB - The Calgary Hitmen split their opening weekend home-and -home set with the Lethbridge Hurricanes falling to the visitors 4-0 at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Special teams played a key role as the Hitmen went 0-for-4 on the power play while successfully killing off all four Lethbridge opportunities. Koen Cleaver stopped all 28 Calgary shots to earn the shutout.
Shane Smith and Luke Cozens led the way for the Hurricanes, each scoring twice. Smith opened the scoring in the first period and added another in the second to give Lethbridge a 2-0 lead after 40 minutes. Cozens chipped in two goals of his own in the third, including an empty-net marker in the final minute to secure the win.
Lethbridge outshot Calgary 32-28. Hitmen goaltender Eric Tu made 28 saves in the loss. Newly acquired forward Caine Wilke made his Hitmen debut, while Ben Kindel (Pittsburgh), Brandon Gorzynski (Dallas), and Axel Hurtig (Calgary) remained away at NHL training camps.
The Hitmen now turn their attention to a full week of practice before returning to action next Saturday, Sept. 27, when they welcome the Edmonton Oil Kings to the Scotiabank Saddledome. Game time is 6:00 p.m. Fans are encouraged to take advantage of the popular $6 Happy Hour, featuring food and drink specials from 5:00 p.m. until puck drop. Tickets are available at HitmenHockey.com.
Western Hockey League Stories from September 20, 2025
- Pats' Third-Period Push Falls Short Against Tigers In Medicine Hat - Regina Pats
- Vees Pick up Franchises First WHL Win - Penticton Vees
- Americans Lose to Thunderbirds, 6-3 - Tri-City Americans
- Chiefs' Comeback Falls Short as They Fall to Kamloops Blazers Saturday, 6-4 - Spokane Chiefs
- T-Birds Open Season with a Win - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Americans' Comeback Falls Short In Season-Opening Loss To Seatle - Tri-City Americans
- Hurricanes Blank Hitmen, 4-0 - Calgary Hitmen
- Free Breaks Through with First WHL Goal in Loss to Cougars on Saturday - Portland Winterhawks
- Third Period Comeback Pushes Warriors Past Wheat Kings - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Offensive Outburst Not Enough for Wheat Kings in Moose Jaw - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Oil Kings Sweep Rebels on Opening Weekend - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Tigers Announce Bryce Pickford as 42nd Captain in Franchise History - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Game Day Preview: Game 1 VS Regina - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Game Preview - PEN at VAN - Penticton Vees
- Chiefs Continue 2025-26 Opening Weekend in Kamloops Saturday Night - Spokane Chiefs
- Silvertips Trade Caine Wilke to Calgary for Picks - Everett Silvertips
- Warriors Look for Second Win of the Weekend - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Oil Kings Host Rebels for "Swiftie Opening Night" - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Game Day Hub: September 20 at Prince George - Portland Winterhawks
- Chiefs Dominate in Season Opener as They Defeat Rockets, 8-2 - Spokane Chiefs
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